Stockholm, Sweden – Starting May 21, 2026, Sweden will implement five major reforms to its Single Permit system for foreign workers, aiming to attract more global talent and strengthen worker protections. The changes will make it easier for non-EU professionals to live and work in the country, offering greater flexibility, faster processing times, and stronger legal safeguards.
The updates are part of Sweden’s alignment with the EU Single Permit Directive, revised in 2024, which aims to streamline migration procedures across the European Union and make the region more competitive in attracting skilled third-country nationals.
What Is Changing?
Under the current system, Sweden’s Single Permit combines residence and work authorization in one application but ties workers to a specific job and employer. The new rules, however, will introduce five key reforms:
-
Job Mobility Without a New Permit
Foreign workers will no longer be locked into a single job or employer. From May 2026, they will be allowed to switch roles or companies by simply notifying the Swedish Migration Agency—no new permit application will be required. -
Extended Job Search Period After Layoffs
Workers who have held a Single Permit for more than two years will be granted six months to find a new job if they lose their current one, up from the current three-month limit. -
Longer Initial Permit Validity
Initial permits will now be issued for up to two years, replacing the previous shorter durations. This move is intended to offer more stability for both employers and employees. -
Ban on Permit-Related Fees Charged by Employers
Employers will be prohibited from charging foreign workers for the cost of the permit application, a measure intended to combat financial exploitation. -
Faster Permit Processing
The average processing time will be reduced to 90 days, down from the current 120, allowing faster relocations and quicker onboarding for Swedish companies.
Why Now?
Sweden’s overhaul of the Single Permit system reflects a broader EU strategy to modernize and humanize its labor migration policies. The reforms are designed to make Sweden a more appealing destination for highly skilled professionals, while ensuring fair treatment and legal protections.
What’s Next?
The reform package is currently pending approval from the Swedish Parliament. If passed, the changes will officially take effect on May 21, 2026. Further updates are expected as the legislative process continues.
For foreign professionals considering a move to Europe, Sweden’s upcoming reforms signal a more welcoming and efficient migration system—making the country one of the most attractive destinations for international talent in the years to come.